pack database

Hello,
What does the “Pack Database” feature do?

I ask because I run this on one of my databases and nothing changes. In particular I have a very large database (mdb) from which I have deleted all sightings and the database is still huge. I assumed Pack Database was some form of compact?

Pack database is not really about CyberTracker data, it is a feature of the underlying database technology (Microsoft Access). Sometimes when doing a lot of editing, the Access can store data in an expanded way. I would have to double check, but I believe that this operation is done at database save quite frequently now, so you should never need it.

Cheers,

-Justin

While playing around with our own database, I reviewed the database properties (File → Database Properties). On the “Advanced” tab at the bottom there is a check box that says “change data will be retained in the database”. According to the description all deleted sightings will retain in the database to allow for merging different databases. Therefore, if this box is checked, file size does not decrease when sightings are deleted.

I assume that this box is checked in your case (as it is in mine). I do not know, however, whether this option must be unchecked before sightings are deleted.

All the best,
Oliver